Game Day Preview: Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat

Angel Bekyarov

Last Updated: Dec 12 | 7:40 AM

4 min read

Game Day Preview: Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat

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The Toronto Raptors will be facing the Miami Heat today, December 12, 2024, at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The game is set to tip off at 7:30 PM ET.

Currently, the Heat are favored as 10.5-point favorites, indicating a significant challenge for the Raptors, who are entering this matchup on a three-game losing streak.

Team Records and Standings

Toronto Raptors
- Record: 7-18
- Standings: 14th in the Eastern Conference
- Away Record: 1-11
- Offensive Rating: 112.3 points per game (16th in the league)
- Defensive Rating: 117.2 points allowed per game (21st)
Miami Heat
- Record: 12-10
- Standings: 5th in the Eastern Conference
- Home Record: 7-4
- Offensive Rating: 112.2 points per game (9th)
- Defensive Rating: 109.3 points allowed per game (2nd)

Projected Starting Lineups

Toronto Raptors

PG: Davion Mitchell
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Ochai Agbaji
C: Jakob Poeltl

Miami Heat

PG: Tyler Herro
SG: Duncan Robinson
SF: Jimmy Butler
PF: Haywood Highsmith
C: Bam Adebayo

Key Players to Watch

Toronto Raptors
- RJ Barrett: The leading scorer for the Raptors, expected to carry much of the offensive load.
- Jakob Poeltl: A strong presence in the paint, averaging nearly a double-double.
Miami Heat
- Jimmy Butler: A key playmaker and scorer, Butler’s performance often dictates the Heat’s success.
- Bam Adebayo: Known for his versatility, Adebayo contributes significantly in scoring and rebounding.

Injury Report

Toronto Raptors
- Scottie Barnes: Game-time decision (ankle injury)
- Bruce Brown: Game-time decision (knee)
- D.J. Carton: Out (foot)
- Immanuel Quickley: Out (elbow)
Miami Heat
- Pelle Larsson: Game-time decision (ankle)

Betting Odds and Predictions

Moneyline: Miami Heat (-581)
Spread: Toronto Raptors (+10.5)
Over/Under: Total points predicted at 222.5

With the Raptors striving to halt their losing streak and the Heat looking to solidify their standing in the playoff race, this matchup is critical for both teams. The predictions favor the Heat given their current form and historical performance, especially when playing at home.